Name: Amish Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 head Broccoli, chopped (Florets and tender stems, bite-sized); 1 head Cauliflower, chopped (Florets, bite-sized); 1 cup Mayonnaise (Full-fat for best flavor); 1 cup Sour cream (Room temperature); 1/2 cup Sugar (Granulated); 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 pound Bacon, fried and crumbled (About 8 slices); 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (Sharp Cheddar recommended)

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Creamy, crunchy, and impossibly satisfying — this Amish Broccoli Salad is the perfect potluck showstopper and weeknight side that everyone asks for seconds of. With a silky dressing, crisp broccoli and cauliflower, smoky bacon, and a sharp hit of Cheddar, it hits all the right notes: creamy, tangy, savory, and a little sweet. Fun fact: many Amish-inspired dishes are all about simple ingredients turned into comforting classics, often handed down through family recipe cards. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing salads, you might also enjoy another take on this classic—check out this Amish Broccoli Salad version for a slightly different twist.

This recipe is special because it’s simple to make, requires minimal cooking skills, and is endlessly adaptable. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, family-friendly, and great for feeding a crowd. Compared to heavier mayo-based potato salads, this one feels lighter thanks to the fresh vegetables but still delivers on richness. So grab a bowl and let’s make something delicious!

What is Amish Broccoli Salad?

What’s in a name? Why call it Amish Broccoli Salad — did the Amish invent it or just perfect it? The truth is, many “Amish” recipes highlight wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients and homey flavors, and this salad fits right in. Think crunchy garden vegetables, creamy dressing, and a comforting, familiar flavor that makes you smile. Why is it called Amish? Maybe because it’s the kind of simple, heartwarming dish that proves “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try it and you’ll see why it keeps showing up at family tables and community gatherings — give it a whirl and share the love!

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible texture contrast: crisp broccoli and cauliflower meet creamy, lightly sweet dressing and chewy bacon for an addictive bite.
Cost-effective and customizable: fresh vegetables are inexpensive, and you can stretch the recipe to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Flavor-packed toppings: smoky bacon and sharp Cheddar add depth and savory balance to the sweet tang of the dressing.

This salad is a winner for potlucks, lunchboxes, and weeknight dinners. If you like hearty, veggie-forward sides, try pairing ideas from our broccoli and cauliflower salad inspiration, which gives you other ways to enjoy the same crunchy duo: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad ideas. Ready to make it? You’ll be glad you did.

How to Make

Quick Overview
This recipe is delightfully easy: chop a couple of heads of veggies, whisk a simple dressing, toss with bacon and cheese, and chill. It takes about 10–15 minutes active time and 20–30 minutes total if you include chilling. The standout elements are the creamy dressing and the crispy bacon — they transform humble veggies into a memorable dish.

Approximate time:

Preparation: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 15–30 minutes

Ingredients

1 head broccoli, chopped (florets and tender stems, bite-sized)
1 head cauliflower, chopped (florets, bite-sized)
1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavor)
1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
1/2 cup sugar (granulated)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 pound bacon, fried and crumbled (about 8 slices)
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp Cheddar recommended)

Directions

Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the broccoli and cauliflower, then chop into bite-sized florets. Pat dry with a towel so the dressing clings well.
Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet until crisp, about 8–10 minutes over medium heat. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Combine: In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli and cauliflower. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
Add mix-ins: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon and shredded Cheddar, reserving a small portion of each for garnish on top.
Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the reserved bacon and cheese over the salad, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving and enjoy immediately or after refrigeration.

Amish Broccoli Salad

What to Serve With

Grilled chicken or baked salmon for a protein-forward plate.
Honey-glazed ham or roast pork for a classic holiday spread.
Fresh crusty bread or dinner rolls to round out a buffet.
Light garden salad or sliced tomatoes to keep the meal bright.
Cold lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine to balance the richness.

If you’re building a picnic or potluck menu, this salad pairs especially well with simple mains like rotisserie chicken, and for another flavorful pairing idea, take a look at this chicken and broccoli salad recipe for a heartier option: chicken broccoli salad variations.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use fresh, firm broccoli and cauliflower for the best crunch. Avoid limp or waterlogged florets.
Dry the vegetables well after washing to prevent a watery dressing.
Chill before serving: refrigerating for at least 15–30 minutes helps flavors meld and improves texture.
Bacon alternatives: swap smoked turkey bacon for a lighter option, or use cooked pancetta for a gourmet twist.
Cheese choice: sharp Cheddar adds a nice bite, but Monterey Jack or Colby works too if you prefer milder flavor.
Sugar balance: start with 1/4 cup and taste the dressing before adding the rest if you prefer less sweetness.
Avoid overmixing to keep the florets intact and pretty for serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad tastes best within the first 48 hours when the veggies are still crisp.
Freezing: Not recommended. The dressing and vegetables don’t freeze well and will become watery when thawed.
Refreshing leftovers: If the salad softens a bit in the fridge, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon to brighten flavors, and add a few fresh raw florets or extra cheese for texture.
Serving from fridge: Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow flavors to bloom.

FAQs

What is the best way to keep the broccoli crunchy?
Dry the florets thoroughly after washing and refrigerate the salad in an airtight container. Chilling briefly before serving also helps maintain crunch.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes. Make it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. For longer storage, wait to add half the bacon and cheese until just before serving so the topping stays fresh.

Is there a healthier version of this salad?
Swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, use a sugar substitute or less sugar, and try turkey bacon to reduce fat and calories.

Can I add other ingredients like raisins or nuts?
Absolutely. Some variations include raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness, or toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for extra crunch.

How do I prevent the dressing from being too sweet?
Start with 1/4 cup sugar, whisk, and taste. Add more in small increments until it reaches your preferred sweetness level.

Conclusion

This Amish Broccoli Salad is an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together crisp vegetables, a creamy-sweet dressing, smoky bacon, and sharp Cheddar for a side everyone will love. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to adapt to your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a family dinner or contributing to a potluck, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear. For another trusted version of this classic, check out this Amish Broccoli Salad recipe on 12 Tomatoes — it’s a great reference and inspiration. Enjoy cooking and sharing!